[mgkimsal]

One of the few things I've learned over the last 10 years or so is to be much bolder in work/job relationships. If I see something in a contract that is too one-sided, I strike it out and bring it up and say "I'm not agreeing to that". Will I sign a contract with, say, a 5 year non-compete (even assuming the non-compete is enforceable)? Generally no, unless there's a huge compensation package tied to make up for the time when I can't use my knowledge in the market. Would I sign one with a 3-6 month non-compete? Probably.

15 years ago I'd sign anything. Today, not so much.

[jiggy2011]

This is true, many people don't realise that contract terms are technically negotiable in the same way that salary and things are.